Now that spring is here, you need flowers to plant in your yard or in pots on your deck, and there are greenhouses full of geraniums, marigolds and native plants waiting for you just at the eastern edge of Woodbury.

You may not have noticed the greenhouses at the corner of Lower Afton Road (the continuation of Valley Creek Road) and Century Avenue because they are tucked behind the Ramsey County Corrections Facility.

Back when it was known as the Workhouse, the facility was a working farm, and now its agricultural roots continue with staff, offenders, volunteers and Ramsey County Volunteer Gardeners (formerly known as Master Gardeners) planting seeds in the winter and selling pots, flats, hanging baskets and individual plants to the public in May.

Prices for annuals and perennials are comparable to, or even less than, commercial outlets, and one-quarter of the cost is tax-deductible. The deduction represents the portion of the purchase price that Volunteers in Corrections dedicates to scholarships, grants and programs to support individuals in leading healthy, successful lives after incarceration.

Unlike commercial operations, the plantings are not staggered, so plants are only available in May and not over Memorial Day. News about how the plants are progressing and their availability is regularly updated on Facebook. As a bonus, there are lots of photos of the pollinator-friendly plants.